Around Mafia - Be Inquisitive

Enjoy different activities in Mafia like Biking, Cultural Experiences, Road Trips and Archaeology.

HISTORY & ARCHAELOGY

Visit the 850-year old kua ruins on juani island or at kisimani mafia at ras kisimani, where a once-famous settlement was lost to a cyclone in 1856, after being previously overrun by sakalava cannibals (from madagascar).

There are also interesting ruins at Baleni Village and German colonial buildings on Chole Island and at Kanga in the north of Mafia.

Our Excursion Guide is well versed in the history and importance of these various lost towns and settlements.

The valuable link they provide in the chain of historic events that shaped the coast of East Africa, and for the examples of construction and imported building technology that became common from Somalia to Sofala.

The use of coral stone and lime mortar began approximately 1,100 years ago. Buildings found in Kua and its parent city, Kilwa, bear the indelible architectural stamps of Iraq, Persia, Turkey and the Hadramout of Yemen.

BIKING IN MAFIA

We arrange for bike rides through village farming areas to give you the chance to meet the local people and see what happens on mafia island and how and what the farmers grow.

You will be accompanied by our experienced Excursion Guide, if you wish. Or just enjoy an early morning ride for a good workout and sweat !

CULTURAL EXPERIENCES

Accompanied by a trained and experienced personal guide, visitors can experience the cultural heritage and traditional village life of mafia.

The excursions around Kinasi – by foot, road or boat – include visiting Chole island and village (with its historic ruins and large Pteropus bats), Jibondo Island and village (an old and very interesting fishing village), Juani Island with its water pools and springs, and the nearby Utende village and farming areas.

Skilled Craftsmen

The Chole people have mastered many crafts such as boat building and rope-making from coconut fibre, and visitors can see these craftsmen at work.

ROAD TRIPS

Mafia is a bigger island than most of our visitors expect and there are many great road trips to isolated beaches and “shambas”, native coastal forests, historic ruins, bird & nature, and local sights and sounds.

Will see surrounding villages and traditional life of Kilindoni Town & Harbor areas, Ras Mbizi Plantation area; Baleni & Kifinge Bay, Kirongwe, Kanga & Jimbo, Ras Mkumbi (The Lighthouse), Mrora Coastal Forest and the Hippo Pools and others great opportunities to explore Mafia by road. We usually arrange these excursions with a home-made picnic lunch and cold beverages.

Take a picnic lunch and go for a ride in one of our famous Bajaj three-wheelers too !

Plan an Unforgettable Experience in Mafia Island!

We can help you fit your stay and experience in Kinasi Lodge.

Let us help with all the details of your trip to Mafia